A broken iron anchor, weathered by centuries of salt and sea, now rests as a testament to the tempests that swallowed two ancient vessels—one from the mid-3rd century and the other from the 14th century—discovered in close proximity off the coast of Caesarea, Israel. These maritime graves, concealed beneath the waves, have unveiled a trove of historical riches, offering a glimpse into the lives and commerce of bygone eras.
During an extensive underwater survey, divers hailing from the Israel Antiquities Authority’s Marine Archaeology Unit chanced upon the remnants of two maritime tragedies scattered across the seafloor. Resting in shallow waters at a depth of approximately 4 meters, the shipwrecks surrendered their secrets—dozens of sizable bronze nails, lead pipes indicative of bilge pumps, and the fragmented remains of an iron anchor, all bearing witness to their untimely demise beneath the waves.
Yet, it was the contents of their ancient cargos that truly stirred the hearts of archaeologists. Among the artifacts retrieved were hundreds of silver and bronze Roman coins spanning the first to the third centuries—an invaluable window into the economic dynamics of antiquity. A veritable hoard of approximately 560 silver dirham coins, minted during the early 1300s amidst the Mamluk period, attested to a later era of trade and prosperity.
Dr. Robert Kool, the head of the Authority’s Department of Coins, underscored the significance of these numismatic treasures, remarking, “Coins are important for understanding the economy of this period. We know a lot from documents, but actually from the archaeological material, we have very few finds.”
Beyond the realm of commerce, the divers unearthed poignant relics of individual lives lost to the depths of history. Among these discoveries was a rare red gemstone, once destined to adorn a precious ring, intricately carved with the likeness of a lyre—an emblem evocative of ancient musical traditions. Nearby lay a striking octagonal gold ring, its green gemstone meticulously engraved with the tender image of a young shepherd cradling a ram upon his shoulders.
This depiction, heralding the ‘Good Shepherd,’ one of Christianity’s oldest symbols for Jesus Christ, resonated deeply with archaeologists. The Israel Antiquities Authority, in a statement, speculated on the identity of the ring’s owner, positing the possibility of an early Christian mariner. Such conjecture finds credence in the proximity of the discovery to Caesarea—a nexus of Christian heritage where the apostle Peter is said to have baptized the Roman centurion Cornelius, marking a pivotal moment in Christian history.
Jacob Sharvit, director of the Authority’s Marine Archaeology Unit, reflected on the enigmatic convergence of these two disparate wrecks, separated by a millennium yet bound by the capricious embrace of the sea. He mused, “The harbor is the most dangerous place for the ship… That’s why we have in this small anchor site many places that we can find many shipwrecks from different periods at the same place.”
Eli Eskozido, Director of the Authority, emphasized the cultural significance of Israel’s coastal heritage, urging vigilance in the preservation of these maritime treasures. He implored divers and maritime enthusiasts alike to report any encounters with ancient artifacts, recognizing their intrinsic archaeological value and the narratives they unfurl.
In the wake of these momentous discoveries, the waters off Caesarea stand as silent witnesses to epochs past—a maritime testament to the ebb and flow of human history, awaiting further exploration and revelation beneath the azure depths.